CBCP saddened by passage of death penalty bill at lower house

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is standing firm on its opposition to the death penalty. (Photo: Socrates B. Villegas/Facebook)

MANILA—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is standing firm on its opposition to the death penalty.

In a statement, CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas said they were saddened by the decision of the House of Representatives to approve on third and final reading the bill reviving the death penalty.

“The House of Representatives has given its consent for the State to kill. We, your bishops, are overcome with grief but we are not defeated, nor shall we be silenced,” he said.

“In the midst of Lent, we prepare to celebrate the triumph of Life over Death, and while we grieve that the Lower House has voted for death, our faith assures us that Life will triumph.”

At the same time, Villegas urged Filipinos to continue to express their opposition to the proposed measure.

“We call on all Catholic faithful and all Filipinos who stand for life to continue the spirited opposition to the death penalty,” he said.

He likewise called on the judiciary to support the Gospel of Life.

“We urge Catholic lawyers, judges and jurists to allow the gentleness of the Gospel of Life to illumine their reading and application of the law, so that their service to society as teachers and agents of the law and of justice may bring life,” the CBCP chief said.

On Tuesday, 216 members of the House said ‘yes’ to the reimposition of the capital punishment, while 54 lawmakers said ‘no’ and one abstained.